Is my A/C compressor or clutch bad?
Got a 2002 tj sport. The AC wasnt engaging until i put some freon in it. Well the clutch now clicks on and off every 3 seconds or so. When the clutch is not engaged the compressor makes a grinding like noise. When it engages the sound goes away. Im pretty positive i have a leak. But the main question is why would the compressor sound horrible without the clutch engaged and make no sound at all (besides normal bearing and belt noise) when it is engaged?
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I'd say the A/C clutch bearing is failing.
When it's not engaged all the pressure is on the clutch bearing. When the compressor engages It centers the pulley taking the pressure off the clutch bearing so it stops making a noise.
Try taking the belt off and see if there is any lateral movement in the pulley. Also turn it by hand and see if you can feel any roughness in its motion.
I hope you understand what I mean.
Good luck.